Barbados to Formally Recognize Palestine as a State in 2024

Barbados has announced that it will formally recognize Palestine as a state in 2024, while maintaining strong ties with Israel and advocating for a two-state solution and de-escalation of tensions in the region. The decision was made by the Cabinet, and Barbados has formally reached out to the State of Palestine to signal its intention.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, stated that "Barbados has always maintained at the United Nations that there should be a two-state solution, and the recognition of Palestine is an effort to correct an inconsistency in their position." Barbados has had a formal recognition of the State of Israel since 1967 and has benefited from technical cooperation with Israel in areas like food security and agriculture.

However, Barbados has never formally recognized Palestine as a state, despite calling for a two-state solution at the United Nations. Symmonds stressed that Barbados, along with CARICOM, has expressed its "unconditional disappointment and dissatisfaction about the humanitarian crisis and the disproportionality of the Israeli response," and has called for a de-escalation of the antagonism in the region.

Why this matters: Barbados' decision to recognize Palestine as a state reflects its commitment to diplomacy and its stance on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The move comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis and loss of life.

The decision to recognize Palestine as a state in 2024 does not impact Barbados' relationship with Israel, which will remain strong. Barbados has consistently advocated for a two-state solution at the United Nations and engaged in formal discussions with the State of Palestine in September 2022, preceding the Israel-Hamas Gaza Strip dispute.

King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed concerns about the escalating situation in the region, which poses a threat to international peace and security. He called for the international community to step up efforts in achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, and protect civilians.

Key Takeaways

• Barbados to formally recognize Palestine as a state in 2024.
• Barbados maintains strong ties with Israel and advocates for two-state solution.
• Barbados expresses disappointment over Israel's disproportionate response in Gaza.
• Barbados' decision reflects its commitment to diplomacy and regional stability.
• King Abdullah II calls for international community to address humanitarian crisis in Gaza.